Liborous Oshoma, a Nigerian lawyer and political analyst, has alleged that the recent judgment restraining the PDP from removing Umar Damagum as acting national chairman has its roots in an earlier interim order granted by Justice Lifu.
He stated that this initial order cited specific provisions in the PDP Constitution, namely sections 43, 45, and 66, which delineate the procedure for electing a national chairman in the event of a vacancy. He emphasized that the court’s decision simply reaffirms the importance of adhering to the PDP’s constitutional provisions regarding the removal of its acting national chairman. He further argued that this issue transcends mere power struggles and underscores the depth of the PDP’s current crisis.
He said in an interview with TVC from 4:47, ”The judgment in favor of restraining the PDP from sacking Damagum didn’t start today. If you remember, the same Justice Lifu granted an interim order restraining the PDP from sacking Damagum as acting national chairman. The court cited provisions of sections 43, 45, and 66 of the PDP Constitution, which spell out how a national chairman can be elected in the event of a vacancy.
And so, the order was granted before this final order by Justice Lifu, stating that Damagum should not be removed until a convention is held in December. What the court has simply said is that the acting national chairman cannot be removed without complying with the provisions of their constitution. I think this is beyond the court and beyond power struggles. I think the PDP is really in a deep crisis, and if care is not taken, they might not even be able to field a candidate in 2027.”